Turn around pan shield for automatic pin setters

ABSTRACT

A turn around shield positioned above the turn around pan in an automatic pin setter positioned between the pan and the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;V&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; belts utilized to drive the gear case, ball elevator and the cross conveyor or other belts adjacent thereto. The turn around pan shield may be secured by clips to the frame of the crossconveyor and the turn around pan frame. The shield is preferably constructed of a rigid, highly polished metal such as stainless steel and is of an arcuate configuration of such dimensions as to be compatible with and cooperatingly assist the turn around pan in performing its function.

[451 Oct. 31, 1972 3,056,604 10/1962 De Ford...................273/43 A 2,017,143 10/1935 Bentz.......... ....273/43 R Primary EqcamineF-Anton O. Oechsle Attorney-Willard J. Hodges, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A turn around shield positioned above the turn around pan in an automatic pin setter positioned between the pan and the V belts utilized to drive the gear case, ball elevator and the cross conveyor or other belts adjacent thereto. The turn around pan shield may be secured by clips to the frame of the cross-conveyor and the turn around pan frame. The shield is preferably constructed of a rigid, highly polished metal such as stainless steel and is of an arcuate con- AUTOMATIC PIN SETTERS Edwin C. Broussard, 1713 Pasadena, San Antonio, Tex. 78201 Feb. 16, 1971 .273/43 R ........A63d 5/00 43 D, 47, 54 R; 198/228 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent Broussard [54] TURN AROUND PAN SHIELD FOR [72] Inventor:

[22] Filed:

21 Appl.No.: 115,614

51 int. [58] Field of Search.273/43 R, 43 A Fekete.........................273/47 figuration of uch dimensions as to be compatible 6/1965 Rogers et R and cooperatingly assist the turn around pan in perl/l961 Huck et al................273/43 R forming its function 2,697,605 12/1954 Montooth et al. .......273/43 A 3,148,880 9/1964 Terry .......,...............273/54 R 5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures L. nu-um,

PATENTED 3 I97? 3. 701, 530

suuznnrs INVENTOR EDWIN C. BROUSSAR BY M/ ATTORNEY PMENTEDncI 31 I972 SHEET 2 OF 3 FIG.4

INVENTOR EDWIN C. BROUSSARD PAIENTEU 3.701, 530

sum 3 or 3 F|G.9 FIG.8

INVENTOR} EDWIN C. BROUSS ARD BY W ATTORNEY TURN AROUND PAN SHIELD FOR AUTOMATIC PIN SE'I'IERS This invention is closely associated and specifically adapted for the use with the Brunswick pin setter and is related to a device of the type illustrated and described in the Montooth US. Patent Nos. 2,705,146 and 2,729,449 or other automatic pin setters of similar construction and configuration.

One problem inherent in pin setters currently in use employing a turn around pan adjacent a V belt drive is the possibility and frequent occurrence of bowling pins coming in contact with the V belts causing jams in the automatic function and concurrently the friction of the V belts in contact with the pins burning or marring the plastic surface by friction.

A primary initial object was to prevent damage to the pins; an equally important advantage concurrently accomplished was an improved operation of the machine in that the frequency of jams was reduce and the turn around function accomplished in an improved manner.

This invention comprises in brief a turn around pan shield of an arcuate conture compatible with the arcuate contour of the turn around pan. The bowling pins are delivered to the turn around pan on occasions in random order. The compatible arcuate contour of the pan and the shield retain the pins in contact with the smooth contoured surface as they are positioned base first for passing onto the cross feed conveyor and delivered to the magazine. The shield in the preferred embodiment was of stainless stell construction and was secured at the forward end by spring clips to the frame of the cross feed conveyor and at the rear end by spring clips to the turn around pan frame. The combination of the turn around pan and the turn around pan shield of this invention improved the turning qualities, eliminated jams in the area, and shield and protects the pins from the adjacent V belt drive belts.

For a more detailed description of the construction 1- and use of the device reference is made to the attached several views and the following detailed description wherein identical reference characters will be utilized to refer to similar or equivalent components throughout the several views and in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view depicting primarily the turn around pan shield and the cross conveyor.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view with a turn around pan with the pan shield removed depicting primarily the turn around pan and the cross conveyor.

FIG. 3 is a rear view partially fragmented of an automatic pin setter particularily illustrating the turn around pan frame and cross conveyor drive means.

FIG. 4 is a top view partially schematic of an automatic pin setter depicting the turn around pan shield in its relative position in the overall combination of the machine.

FIG. 5 depicts the front or outer surface of the turn around pan shield.

FIG. 6 depicts the rear of inner surface of the turn around pan shield.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the turn around pan shield taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 8 illustrates the detail of the inner spring clips.

FIG. 9 illustrates the detail of the cross feed spring clips and connector.

The environment in which the device is utilized is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The details of construction of the preferred embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The turn around pan shield 10 is preferably constructed of stainless steel or other durable highly polished metal. The shield body 11 is stamped or hydraformed with an arcuate top 12 and a first side wall 13 and second side wall 14. Projecting outward and normal to the side walls 13 and 14 is a first spring clip flange 15 and a second spring clip flange 16. These flanges 15 and 16 terminate in an arcuate surface referred to as the first and the second turn around pan frame seats 17 and 18. The first and second inner clip hooks 19 and 20 are secured to the outer edge of clip flanges 15 and 16 and at the outer edge of the first and second turn around pan frame seats 17 and 18 is hingedly secured a first and second clip lever 21 and 22. Spring clips 25 are connected between the inner clip books 19 and 20 and the clip levers 21 and 22. The foregoing structure generally defines the entry portion 26 of the shield 10.

The exit portion 27 is at the opposite and lower portion of the shield 10. The structure in this area of the turn around pan shield 10 comprises a low arcuate cross feed cover 28 the outer edges project upward. Disposed over the exit portion 27 and conforming to the arcuate cover 28 are cross feed spring clips 32 held together at their meeting edges by a clip hinge locking means 33 and provided on their outer edges with first and second clip hinges 29 and 30. Attached to the clip hinges are clip hooks 31.

The dimensions of the preferred embodiment are the width of the entry portion 26 was 9% inches and the side walls 13 and 14 were 4% inches high. The clip flanges 15 and 16 extended outward from the side walls 13 and 14 approximately 2 inches. The overall length of the shield is 12% inches and the width of the edit portion 27 is 6 4 inches. The arcuate rise of the arcuate top 12 and the cross feed cover 28 is approximately 1 inch. The foregoing dimensions and configurations function satisfactorily in use.

The sub-combination of this invention is designed for utilization in an automatic bowling pin setter of the Brunswick configuration. In use of the turn around pan shield 10 is secured to the automatic pin setter 35 directly above the turn around pan 36. The turn around pan frame seats 17 and 18 are positioned on the turn around pan frame 37 and the entry portion 26 secured in position by the spring clip means. The exit portion 27 is secured to the frame of the cross conveyor 38 using the spring clip means previously described in detail. The shield is now in position for utilization.

The bowling pins 40 may be delivered to the turn around pan 36 by the pin elevator system 41 in random order. The function of the turn around pan 36 and shield 10 of this invention is to position the pins 40 with their base first for delivery to the cross conveyor 42. The pins 40 proceed along the cross conveyor 42 to the rotary pin arranging magazine 43 from which they are delivered to the pin setting mechanism (not shown.) The principal functional advantage of the shield 10 of this invention is a smoother and more eflicient turn around of the pins 40 in the pan 36. In addition, the pins 40 are prevented from contacting the V" drive belts 44 which power the gear case (not shown) the ball and pin elevator 41 and the cross conveyor 42. Such contact can cause jamming of the machine as well as burning or marring the pins 40 by friction with the belts 44.

For a description of how the turn around pan shield is secured in position over the turn around pan 36, attention is particularly invited to FIGS. 1, 8, and 9. The two spring clips 25, FIG. 8, are pivoted open and resecured encircling turn around pan frame 37. This results in firstv turn around pan frame seat 17 and second turn around panframe seat 18 being drawn securely to turn around pan frame 37. The exit portion 27 of the shield 10 and the cross feed cover 28 section are tensionally secured to frame 38 of the cross conveyor 42 by means of the cross feed spring clip 32. Cross feed conveyor 38 is constructed with a clip hook seat 45 in its outer surface. The clip hooks 31 are attached to the respective clip hook seats 45 to secure the exit portion 27 of the shield in position over the cross feed conveyor (FIG. 1).

Having described my invention in detail what is desired to be claimed is all modifications or equivalents structures not departing from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an automatic bowling pin setting device including a pin elevator for delivering pins to a turn around pan mounted on a frame, a cross feed conveyor mounted on a frame, said cross conveyor adapted to receive and convey pins from the turn around pan, and belt drive means for powering the combination; the sub-combination of a turn around pan shield comprismg:

a. a rigid polished metal turn around pan shield (10) further comprising,

b. an arcuate top (12),

c. a first side wall (13) and d. a second side wall (14) each projecting downward from said arcuate top,

e. said arcuate top (12) and said first (13) and second (14) side walls generally defining a covered structure enclosed on two sides and open on the side opposite the said arcuate top, said arcuate top (12) originating in,

f. a raised entry portion (26) elevated above said turn around pan (36) extending progressively downward and forward terminating in,

g. an exit portion (27) of a lesser height and width than said entry portion (26),

h. means for securing said turn around pan shield closely'adjacent and above said turn around pan, said securing means comprising:

1. spring clip means (25) for securing said entry portion (26) to said turn around pan frame (37),

and 2. spring clip means (32) for securing said exit portion (27 to said cross feed conveyor frame (38). 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the securing means includes:

a. a first clip flange (15) projecting outward and substantially normal to said first side wall (13), and b. a second clip flange (16) projecting outward and substantially normal to said second side wall (14). 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the securing means includes:

a. a first spring clip (32) pivotally secured to said first clip hinge (29), and

b. a second spring clip (32) pivotally secured to said second clip hinge 30).

4. An automatic pin setter for bowling pins comprisa. a frame means adapted to receive and secure component structures,

b. a pin elevator Y (41) mounted on said frame adapted to receive and elevate bowling pins (40 c. a turn around pan (36) adapted to receive random positioned pins (40) delivered by said elevator (41) and to resposition bowling pins (40) in a base first position,

d. a cross feed conveyor (42) adapted to receive bowling pins (40) from said turn around pan (36) and to convey said pins (40) to,

e. a rotary pin arranging magazine (43) adapted to receive bowling pins (40) delivered by said cross feed conveyor (42),

f. a belt drive means (44) for powering components of said pin setter said belt drive means (44) positioned above said turn around pan (36),

g. a turn around pan shield (10) secured to said frame above said turn around pan (36) juxtapositioned between said turn around pan and said belt drive means (44) said turn around pan shield (10) comprising:

1. an arcuate top 12) portion,

2. a side wall (13) projecting downward from said arcuate top (12),

3. a cross feed conveyor cover (28).adjacent and structurally integral with said arcuate top portion (12), and disposed over the cross feed conveyor,

4. securing means (25) attaching said side walls to said frame means, and

5. securing means (32) attaching said cross feed conveyor cover (28) to said frame means.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said side wall (13) securing means and cross feed cover (28) see uring means comprise spring clips (25, 32). 

1. In an automatic bowling pin setting device including a pin elevator for delivering pins to a turn around pan mounted on a frame, a cross feed conveyor mounted on a frame, said cross conveyor adapted to receive and convey pins from the turn around pan, and belt drive means for powering the combination; the subcombination of a turn around pan shield comprising: a. a rigid polished metal turn around pan shield (10) further comprising, b. an arcuate top (12), c. a first side wall (13) and d. a second side wall (14) each projecting downward from said arcuate top, e. said arcuate top (12) and said first (13) and second (14) side walls generally defining a covered structure enclosed on two sides and open on the side opposite the said arcuate top, said arcuate top (12) originating in, f. a raised entry portion (26) elevated above said turn around pan (36) extending progressively downward and forward terminating in, g. an exit portion (27) of a lesser height and width than said entry portion (26), h. means for securing said turn around pan shield closely adjacent and above said turn around pan, said securing means comprising:
 1. spring clip means (25) for securing said entry portion (26) to said turn around pan frame (37), and
 2. spring clip means (32) for securing said exit portion (27) to said cross feed conveyor frame (38).
 2. spring clip means (32) for securing said exit portion (27) to said cross feed conveyor frame (38).
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the securing means includes: a. a first clip flange (15) projecting outward and substantially normal to said first side wall (13), and b. a second clip flange (16) projecting outward and substantially normal to said second side wall (14).
 2. a side wall (13) projecting downward from said arcuate top (12),
 3. a cross feed conveyor cover (28) adjacent and structurally integral with said arcuate top portion (12), and disposed over the cross feed conveyor,
 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the securing means includes: a. a first spring clip (32) pivotally secured to said first clip hinge (29), and b. a second spring clip (32) pivotally secured to said second clip hinge (30).
 4. securing means (25) attaching said side walls to said frame means, and
 4. An automatic pin setter for bowling pins comprising: a. a frame means adapted to receive and secure component structures, b. a pin elevator (41) mounted on said frame adapted to receive and elevate bowling pins (40), c. a turn around pan (36) adapted to receive random positioned pins (40) delivered by said elevator (41) and to resposition bowling pins (40) in a base first position, d. a cross feed conveyor (42) adapted to receive bowling pins (40) from said turn around pan (36) and to convey said pins (40) to, e. a rotary pin arranging magazine (43) adapted to receive bowling pins (40) delivered by said cross feed conveyor (42), f. a belt drive means (44) for powering components of said pin setter said belt drive means (44) positioned above said turn around pan (36), g. a turn around pan shield (10) secured to said frame above said turn around pan (36) juxtapositioned between said turn around pan and said belt drive means (44) h. said turn around pan shield (10) comprising:
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said side wall (13) securing means and cross feed cover (28) securing means comprise spring clips (25, 32).
 5. securing means (32) attaching said cross feed conveyor cover (28) to said frame means. 